Assessment feedback: The university has a strong will and the ability to develop – management roles and responsibilities should be clarified
The results of the assessment of the University's operational structure and management system (TOIJO) are now ready. The UniQ&A discussion event on the report will take place online on 5 February.
The University's operational structure and management system were assessed in how they support the University in carrying out its core duties and achieving its strategic goals. The TOIJO assessment consisted of an inclusive self-assessment in the spring of 2023 and an external review in the autumn.
The external Assessment Group’s report acknowledges the University of Helsinki's commitment to high quality and democratic values. In its report, the group highlights, among other things, the following strengths:
- A strong commitment to inclusion, interdisciplinary collaboration and societal impact
- Openness to change and self-reflection as a sign of a healthy organisational culture
- Robust operational framework and financial sustainability
- Notable agreement on strategic goals, which is reflected in the sense of a shared purpose
The management responsibilities should be clarified; more cooperation needed with students
The Assessment Group identifies several areas of development related to clarity, incentives, inclusion and communication from the University's structures and management system. The layered management system consists of several roles and bodies such as councils, committees, working groups and preparatory groups.
The assessment team suggests that the University conduct a comprehensive review of its decision-making processes, responsibilities and roles, with a focus on enhancing clarity and alignment across the organisation.
The group also suggests that the University's funding model should be developed. A performance-based funding approach to better align resources with strategic goals would support their achievement, such as the goal of interdisciplinarity. Setting targets and defining indicators together reinforces a shared understanding of what success looks like.
According to the feedback from the Assessment Group, cooperation between the University and student associations should be enhanced. Students may require additional support and information to actively participate in decision-making bodies. Joint meetings organised by the University and the Student Union could help clarify student representatives' roles and selection processes.
Check out the complete results in the final TOIJO report
The final TOIJO report was published in English, but Finnish and Swedish translations are also available. The report is based on extensive self-assessment material, including self-assessment reports prepared by 19 different units and interviews conducted by the Assessment Group during the site visit.
The assessment material, including self-assessment reports, in the Flamma working group area
What happens next?
In the spring of 2024, discussions on both the University and the campus and unit levels will take place on the results of the TOIJO assessment and the direction in which the University's operations should be developed. The Rector has appointed Vice-Rector Jouni Hirvonen to lead the discussion and follow-up during 2024 based on the TOIJO assessment.
“The results of the assessment of the operating structure and management system provide good conditions to strengthen the University of Helsinki's pioneering role as a creator of new knowledge and new solutions. I hope that we will get the whole university community involved in discussing what kind of operating structure and management model will best promote our strategic goals,” says Hirvonen.
Development work has already begun after the self-assessment phase. For example, the Rector has invited all deans to become members of the University's Management Group in order to strengthen the dialogue between rectors and deans.
In addition, a working group focusing on developing the operational possibilities of the degree programmes will be launched in the spring of 2024 under the leadership of Vice-Rector Kai Nordlund. The work of the group is based on the results of both the TOIJO assessment and the review of the degree programmes.
Come and join UniQ&A on 5 February!
The results of the assessment will be discussed at the Uni Q&A event on 5 February at 9:00–11:00. The English-language section is from 10:00 to 11:00.
Administrative Director Esa Hämäläinen and Vice-Rector Jouni Hirvonen, among others, will be present at the event. Welcome aboard!
Thoughts, comments, questions? Discuss this news item on Flamma.
Photo: Bea Karlstedt